An NFL Draft prospect’s career path doesn’t always line up with fans’ preferred timing. However, a player’s talent often shows up at the end, making him a favorite in the fantasy football world. This year’s class brings exciting skill sets and renewed optimism to the virtual game. Below are 10 of my favorite leads and where I think they’d be the best – and most realistic – fit.
Nicknamed “The Gingerbread Man” by the Georgia defense, Young’s mobility is best in class. His ability to feel impulsive and stay out of reach in space regularly helped him extend plays and deliver them to all levels of the court. Seemingly impossible to contain or contain, Young ripped off an FBS-high 24 TD passes when pressed over his last two seasons at Bama. Don’t let his small frame (5-foot-10, 204 pounds) fool you. The 21-year-old is a ballerina, who remains the only player in Bama history to record at least 3,000 yards in a season twice.
Best match: Carolina Panthers. The Heisman Trophy winner is favored (-1,200) to be the first pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. Presumably, he will come to Carolina with new coach Frank Reich. Although Justin Herbert managed a top-10 fantasy finish in his opening drive, most rookie QBs don’t make it into the top 12. It would be more difficult for Young given the Panthers’ shallow WR teams. But the future is still bright, and Young deserves top 15 consideration in dynasty formats.
With speed (4.43) and burst scores (135.4) in the 99th percentile, Richardson is an athletic prodigy. Everything about his playing style screams Avenger. His movement rivals that of Quicksilver (6.4 yards per rush in 2022) and his arm strength can make even Thor blush. While his physical tools seem limitless, his expertise is certainly limited.
Best fit: Indianapolis Colts. Richardson would enter the NFL with only 13 starting personnel under his belt. It’s still a raw prospect with inconsistent mechanics and some accuracy concerns (54% completion rate in 2022). However, the right coach can unlock Richardson’s potential greatness. After watching Jalen Hurts’ growth under Shane Steichen, Indianapolis looks like a sunken spot for the former Gator.
Sia needs to voice the hype video after Robinson’s draft because the man he is Unstoppable. An impressive combination of size, speed and strength, Robinson is a determined runner and refuses to drop it. He led the FBS with 201 lost forced tackles over the past three seasons, which is 35 more than any other player. But it’s not just a downhill mill. Robinson is full of creativity and nuance. His stuttering stride is amazing, his stiff arm is fierce and his spinning motion is a thing of beauty. Plus, he’s a great passer and can thrive as a dual-threat RB in the NFL today.
Best match: Philadelphia Eagles or Dallas Cowboys. Rashaad Penny Stans don’t come to me, but Philadelphia will be a flashpoint for the previous Long Century. Dallas will be another attractive location. Robinson will bring the juice that Ezekiel Elliott has been missing over the past two seasons. Elliott’s release from the superstar also unlocks over 40 touches from the red zone. And the NFC East’s position will give the top eight starters instant appeal.
Gibbs provides Dalphine Cook’s main ambiance. A versatile back with natural hands and impressive speed (4.36), Gibbs is dangerous in space. Over the past two seasons, he has led all FBS running backs in receiving yards (914) while also managing the second most yards after catches (980). Despite being on the smaller side, he broke up or evaded 54 rushing tackles in 2022.
The most appropriate: New Orleans Saints. The consensus No. 2 RB in this year’s class, Gibbs could thrive as a potential replacement for Los Angeles’ Austin Eckler, should the Chargers trade in again. I’m not trying to show it, though. Instead, I’d like to see Bama’s backyard in New Orleans. Given Alvin Kamara’s legal troubles and possible suspension, Gibbs will offer fantasy directors a solid RB2 value working alongside Jamaal Williams.
After playing with Jim Harbaugh in 2019 and 2020, the SoCal native decided to go home and transfer to UCLA. He made an immediate impact and became a Bruin fan favorite after posting a dominant 167 yards against rival USC in November 2021.
Best Match: Dallas Cowboys or Cincinnati Bengals. A patient and a strong runner, Charbonnet chipped away at defenders, constantly turning his legs until he found a crease and burst into daylight. He broke or evaded 124 tackles during his time at UCLA (second only to Bijan Robinson in that span). He also has experience as a passing pro, averaging 3.4 receptions per contest in 2022. Charbonnet’s skill set would be maximized in Dallas or Cincinnati. If the Bengals released Joe Mixon this summer, Charbonnet could be compatible with 16-18 touches per week.
A hamstring injury limited JSN to just three games (and five wins) in 2022. Despite this, he’s still in the top three at center and expected to be knocked off the board in the first round. That’s largely because of his elite efforts in 2021. Serving as the team’s third option receiver, Smith-Njegba led the team in catches (95) and yards (1,606). And he did so while sharing the field with former first round contestants Jarrett Wilson and Chris Olaf.
Best match: New England Patriots or Houston Texans. An ultra-efficient slots man (81% slot rate), JSN is a smooth, reliable receiver who uses agility and clear paths for class. His measurements may not jump off the page, but his intelligence and polish would be a welcome addition to any WR Corps. With Jacoby Myers now in Vegas, JSN has blossomed in New England. His strong hands would be a boon to the rookie caller, making Houston another interesting touchdown spot. Either way, Smith-Njigba can clear 70 points in his first professional campaign.
In a class filled with small receivers, Flowers stands out. And this is not because it is long. It’s because of its versatility. Early in his collegiate experience, Flowers filled 62% of his tracks through the slot (2020). By 2022, the Florida native will run 53% of his roads from the outside And only 44% in the aperture. Flowers is a crafty receiver who relies on his creative drive and fast feet to excel in space. He left BC as the Golden Eagles’ all-time leader in catches (200), receiving yards (3,056) and receiving scores (29). Of note is its limited catch radius (29.5-inch boom length) and 24 career drops, but its balance, explosiveness and visuals can’t be overstated.
Best fit: New York Giants. He would be a nice addition to the stable of G-Men in WRs. With Sterling Shepherd and Dale Robinson also tearing up in the ACL, New York could benefit from a dynamic playmaker like Flowers. If he lands with the Giants, Flowers could force his way into the WR3 conversation, but expectations will have to be tempered to start the season.
After winning the Biletnikoff Award (and with Kenny Pickett out to the NFL), Addison transferred from Pitt to USC. His link-up with Caleb Williams has produced immediate production, with Addison converting nearly 73% of his goals last season (up nearly 2% from his award-winning campaign of 2021). Hailed as one of the best road racers in this year’s class, the 21-year-old is an impressive combination of speed, balance and intelligence. He’s an ace ball tracker who thrives as a deep threat: Addison led the FBS with 14 passing and 601 receiving yards on fielding routes over the past two seasons.
Best Match: Minnesota Vikings or Buffalo Bills. Although not big or explosive, Addison’s skill set is reminiscent of those of young Stefon Diggs. Ironically, I’d love to see him end up in either Minnesota or Buffalo. With Adam Thielen out for the Carolinas, Addison would make an immediate impact working opposite Justin Jefferson. He’ll also add a great outsider to the Bills’ current WR corps (while learning under the player who epitomizes Addison’s roof). Either landing would put Addison in the Top 40 conversation.
All tools are available to Johnston. However, his constant use of them is not. However, there is no denying Johnston’s rare physical appearance and later potential. With a burst score in the 98th percentile (135.9) and a catch radius in the 89th percentile (10.25), his upside as an alpha is clear. On the field, Johnston dominated the boundary and after the catch. He averaged 17.8 yards per reception (WR23) and carried 533 YAC (WR11) in 2022.
Best fit: Los Angeles Chargers. But Johnston needs to vanish the drops (eight in 2022) and regularly crush contested positions if he’s going to thwart the curse of TCU’s next-level future. The Texans and Ravens certainly need the position, but I think Johnston would benefit from learning under the preexisting veteran talent. Given the ages, injury histories, and contract statuses of Keenan Allen and Mike Williams, the Chargers feel like Johnston’s best chance for long-term success. I’ll probably fade the 21-year-old into the leagues, but I’d consider him outside the top five in rookie-dynasty formats.
Someone is calling a radiologist because this guy has it. Downs may not be big (5-foot-9, 171 pounds) but he sure plays like he is. A solid track runner who relies on great acceleration and above-average straight-line speed, Downs is not your typical slot receiver. He’s focused and fearless in contested situations, as evidenced by his 14 contested tackles (56%, WR10) in 2022. Plus, it didn’t matter if Sam Howell or Drake Maye threw the ball, Downs remained productive. With a career stat line of 202-2483-22, he came away from Chapel Hill as one of the most prolific receivers in North Carolina.
Best fit: Green Bay Packers. He could immediately find himself called to action if the Packers were to pick him in the second round. With the team change of Allen Lazard and Randall Cobb, Green Bay could use a strong slots man like Downs. There are obvious QB questions that don’t exactly inspire confidence for Downs’ fantasy immediate stock, but the fit could lead to an interesting number of goals.
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